HB259 Alabama 2024 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Debbie Wood
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2024
Title: Judge of probate of each county to conduct post-election audit.
Summary: HB259 would require each Alabama county judge of probate to conduct a post-election audit after every county and statewide general election to verify the accuracy of reported results.
What This Bill Does
The bill requires auditing one precinct and one statewide or countywide race selected by the canvassing board, with the option to audit additional precincts or races. The judge of probate must schedule the audit, appoint an inspector and poll workers, and arrange access to ballot containers and other election materials, including electronic data. The audit must start at least 31 days after the election (or after the period to file an election contest, whichever is earlier) and must be completed within 30 days. After the audit, ballots are sealed back in their containers, and a separate Record of Audit is created for all related documents; results are posted publicly by the Secretary of State, with findings reported to the Governor and Legislature within 30 days.

Who It Affects
County judges of probate and other county election officials, who must order, organize, and conduct the post-election audit and manage access to ballots, data, and personnel.
Voters, poll watchers, accredited media, candidates, and state officials, who gain public transparency through posted audit results and observation opportunities.

Key Provisions
Defines the Alabama Post-Election Audit Act and requires post-election audits after every county and statewide general election.
Audits must focus on one precinct (excluding absentee/provisional ballots) and one statewide or countywide race chosen by the canvassing board; audits may include additional precincts or races.
The canvassing board selects the audit targets, and the probate judge sets the date, time, and place, appoints inspectors and poll workers, and oversees procedures and compensation.
Ballot containers and necessary materials (including electronic data) must be delivered unopened to audit inspectors; ballots remain in original sealed containers.
Audits begin no earlier than 31 days after the election and must be completed within 30 days; records are kept in a Record of Audit with all related materials.
Findings are reported to the Secretary of State, who must publicly post the results; the Secretary reports findings to the Governor and Legislature within 30 days of receipt.
Poll watchers and accredited media may observe; public notices about the audit must be published or posted; access is allowed to observers.
Audit may be conducted by manual tally or with tested and sealed ballot counters; counters used must not have been used in the election.
Audit expenses are reimbursed in full by the Comptroller; the Secretary of State may adopt rules and forms to implement the act.
The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Elections, Voting, & Campaigns